Mercuries Taiwan Masters Preview

Lin Wen-hong wants to add his name to his family’s roll of honour by winning his maiden title at the Taiwan Masters which starts this Thursday.

Chinese Taipei’s Lin is the third and youngest member from a family of golfers. His father Lin Chia was one of Chinese Taipei’s top professionals while brothers Wen-ko and Wen-tang have also enjoyed success on the Asian Tour.

While Wen-hong has yet to win on the Asian Tour, he hopes to emulate the success of his family especially that of his elder brother, Wen-tang, who is a four-time Asian Tour winner and the first Asian golfer to win the UBS Hong Kong Open title in a decade last year.

“My older brother Wen-tang has always been a good influence and a source of motivation for me. I look up to him as he’s really a dedicated professional golfer and like him, I hope to win a title on the Asian Tour too,” said the 30-year-old.

Lin’s second brother Wen-ko was a past champion at this popular US$500,000 Asian Tour event in 2003 and he hopes that it can be his turn to stand on the winner’s podium come Sunday.

The Chinese Taipei’s player’s confidence will be boosted after he managed to nail a course record nine-under-par 63 in the second round en route to third place at the Mercuries Taiwan Masters last year.

With the experience and knowledge gained, he knows he is a year wiser and victory is within his reach.

“Setting the course record last year was great but it would be even better if I can win the title this year. I know the golf course well and if I can stick to my game plan, I should be in for a chance,” said Lin.

“I know that my form is returning as I’m getting into contention and enjoying myself on the golf course. Success runs in the family and I hope to be part of it this week,” added Wen-hong, who finished in tied-fifth at the Macau Open a fortnight ago.

Although elder brother Wen-tang will also be in the fray together with American Anthony Kang, currently second on the Asian Tour Order of Merit and 11-time Asian Tour winner Thaworn Wiratchant of Thailand, he too hopes that his younger brother can secure his career breakthrough on the Asian Tour.

“As an elder brother, I obviously want to see him do well. We do have our share of sibling rivalries but it’s a good one. We want to outdo each other so that we can all achieve success and bring honour to the family,” said the elder Lin.

The Mercuries Taiwan Masters will be staged at the Taiwan Golf and Country Club, located in the northern town of Tamsui.